Renato Paiva, the coach who worked with Gonçalo Ramos in Benfica’s youth academy (2018-2019), was invited by L’Equipe to discuss the 24-year-old striker’s unique situation at Paris Saint-Germain. Often struggling as a starter, he distinguishes himself by being particularly decisive as a substitute.
“He’s an animal, of course, he hurts them.”
“He comes into the game at a point when the defenders are tired. And since, physically, he’s an animal, of course, he hurts them.”
“He’s not a regular starter because technically, he’s limited. Luis Enrique likes to work the ball to find the right space. Gonçalo isn’t a striker who’s going to participate in the build-up play. He needs to be in the box, waiting, to finish the move.”
“We used to call him ‘the wizard’.” “
At the time, he ran a lot. I thought to myself, with him, I had my first defender and my goalscorer. When we started playing him as a number 9, it was incredible. Thigh, knee, shin… He could shoot from any part of his body, and it would score. We nicknamed him ‘the wizard.’”
These are strong words, and they must be considered in the context of an exceptional PSG. Ramos has his place at the highest level, but Ousmane Dembélé or Désiré Doué are more comfortable in a role of dropping deep and linking up play. Ramos can do that too, but more with one- or two-touch passes. Often with acceleration on the ball to create chances. In Luis Enrique’s system, it’s not easy for this type of striker to integrate.
However, we’ve seen several times that he’s also necessary at times. Because someone can miss him with his power and instinct in the box. The key is finding the right balance, adapting. This applies to both Ramos in Paris and everyone else, so he can make the most of his qualities.
His appearances off the bench can be devastating, thanks to his determination, his eye for goal, and his power. That’s already a good start, both for Ramos and for PSG. Now, it would be best if he found his form as a regular starter.
